Misperceived Gender Norms and the Gender Gap in Labor Force Participation: Experimental Evidence from Couples in Colombia

2024-10-28

2024-11-30

To evaluate the impact of correcting misperceptions about gender norms on intrahousehold decision-making regarding labor market participation, we focus on the decision of who within the household is selected to participate in an online career-building course when only one spot is available per household. This setup allows us to assess whether the informational intervention empowers women or increases husbands' support for their wives' labor market participation.
Selection for Online Course Participation & Whether the \textbf{wife} is selected to participate in the online career-building course when only one spot is available per household.
Individual Interest in Participating in the Online Course & Whether individual $i$ expresses interest in participating in the online course.
Changes in Beliefs Regarding Gender Norms & Change in individual $i$'s using vignettes.
Changes in First and Second order Beliefs Regarding Gender Norms & Change in individual $i$'s using same questions as in the base line.
Interest in Changing Jobs & Whether individual $i$ expresses interest in changing jobs after the intervention.

Motivated by the persistent gender gap in labor force participation in Latin America, this study seeks to understand how traditional gender norms, particularly those related to caregiving responsibilities, influence intrahousehold decisions about labor market participation. The study will address the following questions: What are the prevailing gender norms related to labor market participation in Bogotá, Colombia, and to what extent does pluralistic ignorance uphold these norms? Can a simple intervention, such as an informational text message, effectively alter perceptions of gender norms and influence behaviors related to job search and labor force participation? How does intrahousehold decision-making about labor outcomes and access to accurate information influence employment outcomes?

We employ a mixed-methods approach using both survey data and a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Stage 1 involves measuring pluralistic ignorance through an in-person survey of 1,200 individuals (1600 men and 1600 women) in Bogotá. Stage 2 is the RCT, where participants will be randomly assigned to treatment and control groups, stratified by employment status and first order beliefs. The treatment group will receive information about actual societal beliefs on female labor force participation, while the control group will receive general labor market information. Outcomes will be measured during the intervention and through a follow-up survey.

A growing body of literature points to the significant role that gender norms play in shaping labor market outcomes, particularly for women. Gender norms, which are societal expectations and beliefs about appropriate roles and behaviors for men and women, can impact individuals' decisions regarding work and employment opportunities. The sources highlight that these norms often revolve around caregiving responsibilities, with women traditionally shouldering a larger share of domestic and care work. This unequal distribution of unpaid labor can limit women's opportunities for paid employment and contribute to the gender gap in labor force participation.

This study builds on prior research highlighting the negative impacts of gender norms on female labor force participation. It contributes to the literature by examining the role of pluralistic ignorance in perpetuating these norms and exploring the potential of information interventions to shift perceptions and behaviors. The study also adds to the understanding of these dynamics within the Latin American context

randomization done in office by a computer,

household level

Yes

3

3415

1732 ind 866 households